Texas Rangers Blog

MLBPA chief: Drug-testing system remains strong

SURPRISE, Ariz.. – After making his annual spring training address to the Rangers, MLB Players Association Executive Director Michael Weiner said Tuesday that the drug testing system remains strong in the wake of Ryan Braun’s recent successful appeal of a 50-game suspension.

That was also the message he sent the Rangers. The Rangers were the fifth team the MLBPA has visited this spring.

“They should have confidence in the system,” Weiner said. “Any adjustments called for have been made and will be made.”

“When we have situations like that, guys have questions,” Weiner added. “One reason our union is strong is that players are able to ask questions. Once they get the answers, they don’t have concerns.”

Weiner declined to discuss any specifics related to the Braun case. In a test he took on the first day of the 2011 postseason, Braun tested positive for a Performance Enhancing Drug (PED). He was to be suspended for 50 games to start the season, but appealed that his sample was tampered with between the time it was collected and when it was received at the drug testing lab in Montreal. There was a 44-hour window that could not be explained.

Weiner said the ruling to overturn the suspension should be viewed as proof the system works.

“Any strong program has to deter use, has to have appropriate penalties and also has to have a fair appeals process,” Weiner said. “This doesn’t take away from our process. Anybody that wants both a tough and fair program should be satisfied with this result.”